Investigation DP07001: 1989–1992 Ford Probe

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jul 30, 2007

Closed

Dec 5, 2007

Model years

1989–1992

Subject

Seatback recline mechanism failure

Component: Seats › Front assembly › Recliner

Summary

On june 29, 2007, nhtsa received a petition from mr. Richard h. Mcswain of mcswain engineering inc., requesting that the agency investigate seatback recliner failure in the subject vehicles. The petitioner identified a failure mode involving bypass of the seatback stop pin which could result in a false or partial engagement of the sector and pawl teeth, allowing the seatback to recline in a vehicular collision.odi believes that the alleged failure mode may be the result of progressive wear and tear of the seatback stop pin, the seatback stop, and other seat components in vehicles that are, on average, 17 years old.available data do not suggest that this has occurred with a notable frequency. Odi reviewed its consumer complaint data received over the last nineteen years and found no complaints of seatback collapse (with or without a vehicle collision) in the subject vehicles.considering the advanced age of the subject vehicles, it is unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.the statutory requirement that the manufacturer provide a free remedy does not apply if the vehicle was bought by the first purchaser more than 10 calendar years before an order is issued. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1992 Ford Probe79 complaints
• 1991 Ford Probe177 complaints
• 1990 Ford Probe323 complaints
• 1989 Ford Probe77 complaints